Lakeshore groups form line in the sand to protest offshore drilling in the Gulf

HOLLAND — Justin Campbell expected fewer than the 57 people who showed up to stand against offshore drilling at Holland State Park’s beach.

But they did come out — some came from as far as Lansing.

Saturday’s event involved participants gathering at 800 locations worldwide to form a line and hold hands for 15 minutes to protest offshore drilling in the Gulf of Mexico, said Eva Stong of Spring Lake. She organized a similar event in Grand Haven, which drew 20 people — 500 fewer than were expected, she said.

“Hands Across the Sand” was created last fall by Florida restaurant owner and surfer Dave Rauschkolb, who wanted to raise awareness about offshore drilling in Florida.

For Saturday’s event, anyone could visit the group’s website and create an event in their area. Similar protests were planned for Muskegon and Traverse City.

A petition went around in Holland to end drilling offshore from Louisiana and ramp up efforts to develop alternative energy sources, Campbell said.

In Grand Haven, participants gathered at about 10:30 a.m., Stong said, and lined up at noon.

The group chatted as they stood along the water, drawing a symbolic line in the sand, Stong said.

A few passersby asked the group why they were standing there, but things quieted down as the 15 minutes began.

“It was a moment of silence, really,” Stong said. “It was almost like a vigil. But the mood wasn’t somber– people were smiling and they were happy to be there.”